DA asks for help in identifying headless man

Boston Herald staff Friday, June 06, 2014

Credit: Matthew Healey

Cape Cod and Islands District Attorney, Michael O'Keefe answers questions form the press after releasing information about a mutilated body discovered in Sandwich during a press conference inside the Barnstable Superior Court House this afternoon. The DA's office released photos of a t-shirt the victim was wearing when he was discovered at Town Neck Beach.

Investigators looking to identify a mutilated and headless body that was discovered on a Cape Cod beach Sunday night are turning to the public for help.

Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe confirmed today that the remains, which investigators believe were dumped at Town Neck Beach in Sandwich, are that of a black male, about 6-feet tall, weighing between 220 and 230 pounds.

Investigators also revealed that the body, which was missing the head, arms and legs, was wrapped in trash bags, concealed under a tarp and affixed to a blue moving dolly.

Other details that may shed light on the victim's identity include a blue T-shirt distributed by the Cranston-based Windustrial Co., black sweat pants and a 3 to 4-inch surgical scar found on the right abdomen. A woman who said she was a manager at Windustrial Co., but declined to give her name, confirmed that the body was not a current employee.

"Anyone that recognizes that T-shirt and may have seen someone that fits this description wearing this outfit should contact the police," O'Keefe said, adding "the condition of the body indicates this was a fairly recent event."

Investigators are looking to the public to report any recently missing person in the New England area who fits the description O'Keefe provided.

The T-shirt is believed to have been a promotional item issued by Windustrial Co. between six and eight years ago and would have been among thousands given out to the business' customers, O'Keefe said.

Detectives have already interviewed all of the business' employees and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Boston is analyzing "trace evidence" recovered from the scene, including DNA from the body.

Massachusetts State Trooper Matt Lavoie, who is investigating the incident, confirmed that the state police had received several phone calls from residents looking to offer up tips since the mid-afternoon press conference.